Party-list group backs move to suspend small-scale mining in Surigao

MANILA, Philippines - Party-list group Ang Minero is supporting the initiative of Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas to suspend all small-scale mining and quarry operations in her jurisdiction due to “rampant violation of environmental laws.”

The group, however, is batting for a different approach to resolving the problem.

Matugas is pushing for an amendment to the mining law, claiming that “the Mining Act of 1995 diminishes the authority and power of local governments to check multinational firms whose permits were issued by the National Government.”

“The local government lacked the power to regulate, approve or disapprove large-scale mining activities,” she pointed out.

Louie Sarmiento of Ang Minero, on the other hand, said the legislation pertaining to large-scale operations does not need revision as it already clearly promotes responsible mining.

Sarmiento pointed out that, in fact, large-scale mining companies submit themselves to the strict requirements and close monitoring set by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

He said what needs amendment is the Small-Scale Mining Act, pointing out that the existing laws confine and restrict Filipino miners to grow and progress.

Thus, local miners violate the law to maximize their production, even though such violations compromise a sound and healthy environment.

Sarmiento noted that small-scale miners merely apply for a permit from local government units (LGUs) and do not pass through the MGB.

Thus, small-scale miners do not provide the government with professional and technical information and guidance vital to their mine operations.

Sarmiento added that the Small-Scale Mining Act prohibits the use of necessary tools and new technology to acquire the full potential of their respective mine areas.

“It is about time to review and improve the Small-Scale Mining Act to rightfully empower Filipino miners to successfully regulate their operations as well,” he said.